Guida
The Shimizu Rice Terraces are located in Shimizu, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, at an altitude of approximately 400 meters. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of Mt. Kurohime, one of the famous '100 Mountains of Niigata.' This area faced a significant challenge following the 2011 earthquake, which caused large-scale land subsidence. However, through a specialized restoration process designed to preserve the traditional 'Satoyama' landscape, the terraces were successfully rebuilt. Today, the area serves as a vital field for the 'Matsudai Tanada Bank' community activities.
The site was heavily impacted by the earthquake on March 12, 2011. The seismic activity caused a massive landslide approximately 500m long and 100m wide, leading to the collapse of the Shimizu terraces. To restore the landscape without losing its cultural essence, a rare and advanced method called the 'Parallel Levee Type Contour Partitioning Method' was employed. This construction, completed in 2013, focused on both disaster prevention and aesthetic preservation. The terraces have since returned to active cultivation, maintaining the traditional rhythm of Japanese agriculture.
The terraced landscape, meticulously carved into the terrain, harmonizes perfectly with the surrounding mountains. From the 400m altitude viewpoint, the majestic silhouette of Mt. Kurohime dominates the horizon. The water used for the rice paddies comes from natural springs originating from the mountains, showcasing a perfect cycle of nature. The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons, offering different expressions of light and water throughout the year.
Rice cultivation activities typically begin in late April once the snow has melted. Therefore, the most vibrant time to visit is from spring through summer when the fields are lush and green. As the rice grows from late April onwards, the visual character of the terraces evolves. Since this is an outdoor natural site, the scenery is highly dependent on the weather and the specific time of year.
The area is a hub for the 'Matsudai Tanada Bank' community-led preservation efforts. Visitors can participate in the 'Tanada Bank' program by becoming a 'landlord' (owner) of a terrace, which allows for deeper engagement through rice-growing experiences and conservation activities to protect this traditional landscape.
The vicinity is also known for its connection to art, featuring works like 'Mountain' from art festivals. For those looking to stay overnight, several hot spring facilities, such as 'Matsudai Shiba Pass Onsen,' are located nearby, offering a relaxing way to end a day of sightseeing.
As this is a natural outdoor environment, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. While there is parking available, please note that there are no public restrooms on-site; please check nearby facilities in advance. Since this is a rural area, many local services may require cash payments. Please be respectful of the agricultural-work in progress and do not enter the active rice paddies.